UFC Saudi Arabia: Israel Adesanya returns for first non-title fight in six years

The UFC Octagon will return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 1 for a UFC Fight Night event, with a loaded lineup of fights officially confirmed for the show.

Headlining the event will be a middleweight showcase, as former undisputed 185-pound champion Israel Adesanya returns to action against French contender Nassourdine Imavov.

Adesanya is looking to regroup after losing his title to Sean Strickland in September 2023, then losing out in his title challenge against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 last August.

Now “The Last Stylebender” returns to action for his first non-title fight in six years as he takes on Imavov, who heads into the bout on a three-fight win streak, having defeated Roman Dolidze, Jared Cannonier and Brendan Allen in his last three outings.

The co-headliner will also feature middleweight action, as Russian striker Shara “Bullet” Magomedov looks to continue his rise when he faces English striker and welterweight contender Michael “Venom” Page, who moves up to 185 pounds for this latest chapter in his career.

Michael "Venom" Page — Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Magomedov is fresh off his double spinning backfist knockout of Armen Petrosyan at UFC 308, and he’ll be looking to extend his perfect professional record to 16-0 with victory over “MVP”, who was edged out on the scorecards by Ian Machado Garry at UFC 303.

The confirmed bout list for the event features 12 fights in all, including fight card, including a heavyweight bout between Sergei Pavlovich and Jairzinho Rozenstruik, an an all-action lightweight bout between Terrance McKinney and Damir Hadzovic.